Monday, 3rd January, 2014
Juventus manager Antonio Conte is very pleased at Pablo Osvaldo's arrival, not only in terms of his reduced wages, but also for the in-absentia shot in the arm that saw yesterday's big win.
The Old Lady emerged 3-1 victors over Inter Milan in the Derby d’Italia, after Friday's deadline-day signing of Osvaldo came with a purchase option of €19m.
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He has been brought on loan from Southampton, though he did not make Juventus' squad for the game.
Nevertheless, Conte revealed Osvaldo had been desperate for Juventus, telling Sky Italia: "There were some very well-defined hierarchies and some others who had been here a long time.
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"They perhaps needed a little competition to renew their enthusiasm. It was positive to know players wanted Juve so much that they’d reduce their wages to help it happen.
"Osvaldo was an opportunity that we took, as the striker desperately wanted Juventus and cut so much off his wages.
"We are happy to have a player who improves our quality in attack, as we have Serie A and the Europa League to challenge for."
Yesterday's win came courtesy of goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal, and put Juventus nine points clear at the top of Serie A.
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